Catholic Practical Theology: A Geneology of the Methodological Turn to Praxis, Historical Reality, & the Preferential Option for the Poor

IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, the Catholic Church made an epoch-defining magisterial, philosophical, and theological turn from an "ahistorical" methodological "habitus" toward a praxis-based methodology that interprets "historical reality," especially the reality of the poverty, as a locus theologicus. This book shows how the development of this turn began in pre-conciliar Western Europe, next flourished during the pontificates of John XXIII and Paul VI and at Vatican Council II, then became vital to liberation theology in post-conciliar Latin America, and eventually grew into the contemporary paradigm of "practical theology." The book chronicles the contributions of a range of twentieth-century Catholic philosophers, theologians, and members of the Magisterium who created and advanced this turn across Western Europe, Latin America, and North America. Today, the turn has been additionally developed in Africa and Asia, and the author looks forward to learning from additional Catholic theological voices from those important global regions. DR. BOB PENNINGTON, a native of West Virginia, grew up in Gainesville, Florida and attended the University of Florida in pursuit of a bachelor's degree in Political Science. However, after a mission-trip to the isolated mountain town of La Cucarita in the Dominican Republic, Dr. Pennington transferred to Wheeling Jesuit University to finish his undergraduate degree with a focus on the political and civic aspect of mission work. Dr. Pennington then earned a master's degree in Theology from Xavier University, followed by a Ph.D. in Practical Theology from St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida. Dr. Pennington is currently an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, specializing in Ethics, at Mount St. Joseph University. When not working on writing and speaking projects, he enjoys spending time with his wife Cassandra, and with his two children Luke and Leo.